Friday, March 16, 2007

I had a great time last night attending the The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association 12th annual New York benefit. It was held at ABC's Times Square studios with anchor Brian Ross -- who you may remember was instrumental in breaking the Rep. Mark Foley page scandal -- giving the keynote address. Guests included Meredith Vieira, Charlie Gibson and Martina Navratilova (the lezzies had her cornered and then she got away before I could talk to her!), plus lots of other familiar faces (see below).

Also saw a lot of old friends and met a bunch of great new people, including Cyd Zeigler of Outsports (above, right) and his boyfriend, Dan, on the left. That's our mutual pal Sebastian in the middle; Andy Towle of Towleroad and his boyfriend, Dave; and the writer Tom Dolby, whose book "The Trouble Boy" I've been meaning to read.

CNN Headline News anchor Thomas Roberts told me how pleased he was with the outcome of his Anderson Cooper segment. He said it had been in the works for nearly two years, so it was a great relief to have it completed and that he had put all of the negatives of the childhood abuse he endured behind him and was looking only for the positive in it all. He said he's been greatly touched by the many e-mails he's received this week from people who have been through similar experiences. (Oh, and do I need to mention how handsome he looked?)

Former NBA star John Amaechi was as charming in person as he is on TV, and was having none of my compliments about how great he was on "The Daily Show" ("Jon Stewart makes everyone look great.") John came along with us for a drink afterward at Vlada Lounge (the boys couldn't get enough of him.).

Kyan Douglas of "Queer Eye" fame was about the nicest man I met all night, putting up with three camera malfunctions before we could snap this nice one (what a doll!) ...

If you're a gay journalist then I highly recommend getting involved in NLGJA. The name may not exactly roll off your tongue, but it's a wonderful feeling to be in room full of people with similar backgrounds and goals. Last night reminded me how very proud I am to be a part of it all.